Containers designed to keep food fresher

ABSTRACT

Containers and bags are designed to keep food fresher by including a substance such as Zeolite, which inhibits bacteria from spoiling food. This matter absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas or other gases that age food. Containers and bags are also aerated, which allows moisture to evaporate, which inhibits mold proliferation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility application is based on the provisional patent application No. 62/177,530, filed on Mar. 17, 2015, confirmation no. 9226. Customer number 000131207, DAA, Inc., Abby Aronowitz, Ph.D., President.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention improves upon food storage containers, to keep food fresher and safer longer than other containers designed to keep food fresher. The primary problem involved with previous inventions is the accumulation of moisture, which promotes mold and bacterial growth. This invention dramatically reduces moisture accumulation, through the use of aeration, which allows moisture to evaporate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention includes food storage items, which are aerated, and include matter (such as, but not limited to, Zeolite), that eliminates bacteria, inhibits mold formation, and absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas or other gases to retard food spoilage. These lids, containers, and bags contain holes, openings, or vents to eliminate moisture, which contributes to deterioration. This aerates the contained food products when sealed, to keep food fresher and safer longer than containers not containing both of these features.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

“Cover For a Food Container and Method of Using Said Food Cover on a Container” U.S. Patent Application 20110095024. This invention, known as “Cover Fresh Food Covers” utilizes an expandable or contractible cover, with elastic band, that can be fitted over a variety of different sizes of food containers. It is comprised including matter that either kills bacteria or retards mold formation, so food stays fresher for longer periods of time, while being stored.

The “Debbie Meyer Green Bag,” (by Debbie Meyer) claims to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for up to 30 days by absorbing ethylene gas. According to their website, Oya, a mineral form of Zeolite facilitates gas absorption.

“Always Fresh” containers (by Gourmet Trends) are food storage containers that also include matter that absorbs ethylene gas to retard food spoilage. They have tight fitting lids, and come in a variety of sizes.

“Peak Fresh” Re-Usable Produce bags (by Peak Fresh) breathe so that damaging gases produced by the fresh produce are removed. These bags minimize moisture formation and inhibit bacteria growth which helps maintain fruit and vegetables at their peak.

“Brawny Produce Protector” bags (by Brawny) remove ethylene gas to prolong the life and freshness of produce. Minimizes moisture formation and inhibit bacteria growth; to maintain fresher fruit and vegetables.

“ExtraLife Produce Preserver Disks” (by DGL products) are 3-inch green disks that you place in your refrigerator bin. Inside the ExtraLife disk is a breathable pouch that contains the active ingredient. Once activated and placed in the refrigerator bin, each ExtraLife disk is effective for 3 months.

“Fruit Life Extender Liner, by Bandwagon.” These liners can be trimmed to fit any drawer, and keeps produce fresher longer, since air is able to circulate.

“Container For Odor Remover and Ethylene Absorbent” (WO/2001/030658A1) consists of a paper board one piece container, formed by top, bottom, side, front and rear walls, forming a chamber divided into two compartments by an interior wall, which provides fluid isolation.

“Reusable Plastic Storage Container and Lid with Gas-permeable Membranes for Modified Atmosphere Storage of Food and Perishables,” (WO/2007/108772A1). This container independently maintains modified atmospheres with the range between 1% and 99%.

“Consumer Food Storage Package With Absorbent Food Pad” (WO/2008/103427A2, US 20070202220, 902889). There are several food storage packages that include an absorbent pad positioned within a container to preserve food freshness. This differs from current invention, which does not have any pad.

“Absorbent container”, (U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,955) is comprised of an absorbent matter, and various walls, which are liquid and/or gas impermeable. (No aeration mentioned)

‘Reactive Ethylene Absorber (US 20140272039) relates to an ethylene absorbent materials, which are used in a sealed package, with a sealed container. (No aeration mentioned)

Self-absorbing gas-barrier receptacle for food packaging (U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,575, and WO/2003/006337) has a multi-layer design, that allows passage of liquids between layers, and sealing a liquid and gas barrier lid.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

These are the only containers, lids, or bags that are aerated, and also contain matter that absorbs gases such as ethylene. This combination allows food to stay fresher and safer for longer periods of time, by preventing moisture from accumulating, and reducing levels of ethylene gas. Moisture contributes to mold formation. The advantage of an aerated container, bag, or lid, is that moisture is allowed to evaporate, thereby preventing mold formation for a longer period of time.

The combination of aeration and a material such as, but not limited to zeolite, potassium permanganate, or similar substance, can eliminate bacteria, inhibit mold formation, and absorb or adsorb ethylene gas or other gases, to retard food spoilage. Includes various patterns of aeration, including cutouts of circles, lines, and other shapes.

Holes or vents may be found on sides and/or bottom of container.

Containers may be slightly elevated, with “feet,” to allow escape of moisture from vents on bottom

These containers independently maintains modified atmospheres with the range between 1% and 99%.

These containers will also be comprised of plastic, or other materials that lend themselves to including the material that absorbs/adsorbs aging molecules, and can be aerated. This includes BPA free plastics.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

1. Aerated flexible cover with of an elastic band on bottom, made with matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas or other gases, kills bacteria, or reduces mold formation on the food being stored underneath it.

2. Aerated bag comprised of matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas or other gases, kills bacteria, or reduces mold formation on the food being stored inside it. Bag is fastened closed with a twister seal.

3. Aerated bag comprised of matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas or other gases, kills bacteria, or reduces mold formation on the food being stored inside it. Bag is fastened closed with a draw string.

4. Covered aerated box comprised of matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas or other gases, kills bacteria, or reduces mold formation on the food being stored inside it. Molded formation seals attached lid shut to container.

5. Aerated box with separate matching aerated lid. Both box and lid may or may not be comprised of matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas or other gases, kills bacteria, or reduces mold formation on the food being stored inside it. Molded formation seals shut.

6. Solid box may or may not be comprised of matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas or other gases, kills bacteria, or reduces mold formation on the food being stored inside it. Matching aerated lid may or may not be comprised of matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas or other gases, kills bacteria, or reduces mold formation on the food being stored under it. Lid attaches to box.

7. Aerated box may or may not be comprised of matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas or other gases, kills bacteria, or reduces mold formation on the food being stored inside it. Matching solid lid may or may not be comprised of matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas or other gases, kills bacteria, or reduces mold formation on the food being stored under it. Lid attaches to box.

8. Round aerated container with matching aerated lid. Both may or may not be comprised of matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas or other gases, kills bacteria, or reduces mold formation on the food being stored inside it. Molded formation seals shut.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF METHOD

For Containers and Lids: Perishable food, such as fruits and vegetables are placed into the aerated or solid container, which may or may not be made with matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas, kills bacteria, retards mold formation, or reduces the moisture content of air. Next, an aerated or solid lid, which may or may not be made with matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas, kills bacteria, retards mold formation, or reduces the moisture content of air is snugly fitted on top of the container. The same methodology is used for all containers and lids, of various sizes and shapes, to keep food fresher longer. Food is removed as needed for consuming.

For Aerated Bags: Perishable food, such as fruits or vegetables, are placed into the aerated bag, made with matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas, kills bacteria, retards mold formation, or reduces the moisture content of air. It may or may not be sealed with a twister seal, zip lock, draw string, or Velcro closure made with matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas, kills bacteria, retards mold formation, or reduces the moisture content of air. Food is removed as needed for consuming

For Expandable/Contractible Elastic-Banded Lid: Perishable food, such as fruits or vegetables, are placed into any container, which may be made of any substance, such as glass, plastic, or ceramic. The aerated lid, made with matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas, kills bacteria, retards mold formation, or reduces the moisture content of air is expanded over the container, which then fits snugly around the sides, similar to putting a shower cap onto a bowl. Food is removed, by pulling expandable cover off, and removing edibles as needed for consuming.

The goal for all products is to keep food fresher longer. It is best if all products are placed in the refrigerator, after perishable food items are placed inside containers with lids or bags.

ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS

The description and described are simply examples of the many different shapes the containers can take, as well shapes of aeration openings and corresponding lids. The goal of all is to combine materials that inhibit mold formation, kill bacteria, absorb or adsorb molecules, such as ethylene gas or other gases contributing to deterioration, while allowing evaporation of moisture, in order to retard spoilage. These receptacles may include plastic br other materials which contain molecules to absorb or adsorb substances to retard aging, and to keep food fresher and safer longer than traditional storage methods. Size, shape, and amount of openings needed for optimal freshness will be determined, for containers and lids.

This invention combines the best attributes of several known products with aeration, to further prevent spoilage. Preventing condensation, by adding a pathway for evaporation, is more advantageous than products without a method to prevent water accumulation, to prevent mold.

The scope of this invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the specific examples given.

Various sized and shaped aerated or solid lids, may be mixed and matched with separate aerated or solid containers which fit together. Some lids and containers may contain matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas, kills bacteria, retards mold formation, or reduces the moisture content of air. Some lids and containers may be attached to form a single object. Containers will be optimized to create the most favorable environment to store food safely for long periods of time, buy utilizing both matter that retards food deterioration, and holes that allow moisture to evaporate. Some examples include, but are not limited to: 

1. Various sized and shaped lids are aerated, and may or may not contain matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas, kills bacteria, retards mold formation, or reduces the moisture content of air. These lids fit onto corresponding aerated containers, which may or may not contain matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas, kills bacteria, retards mold formation, or reduces the moisture content of air.
 2. Various sized and shaped solid lids, and may or may not contain matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas, kills bacteria, retards mold formation, or reduces the moisture, to be used with corresponding containers that are aerated that may or may not contain matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas, kills bacteria, retards mold formation, or reduces the moisture content of air.
 3. Various sized and shaped lids are aerated, and may or may not contain matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas, kills bacteria, retards mold formation, or reduces the moisture content of air. These lids are attached to solid containers, which may or may not contain matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas, kills bacteria, retards mold formation, or reduces the moisture content of air.
 4. Various sized and shaped aerated containers with attached lid, that are solid or aerated, and may or may not contain matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas, kills bacteria, retards mold formation, or reduces the moisture content of air.
 5. Various sized and shaped bags, which are aerated, and contain matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas, kills bacteria, retards mold formation, or reduces the moisture content of air. These bags have holes or vents, and may come with a twister seal, or closure of some sort, such as a zip lock, drawstring or Velcro closure.
 6. Various sized and shaped expandable covers, which are aerated with holes or vents, and contain matter that absorbs or adsorbs ethylene gas, kills bacteria, retards mold formation, or reduces the moisture content of air. An elastic band allows these expandable covers to fit over any type of storage container, such as plastic, ceramic, or glass bowls. 